Thank you for reposing your trust and confidence in me as Worshipful Master of this historic Lodge. I look forward to serving the Craft in that capacity as we labor together to further its universal aims of enlightenment, fraternal affection, and charity. I thank the Officers who have agreed to serve with me this year. They are as zealous as they are well-informed. Together we will strive to attain excellence and beauty in all our workings. My goal is for the Lodge both to confer impressive initiatic degrees and to hear insightful presentations on the meaning of our ritual and symbols.
I enclose a copy of my Master Plan for 2008. The theme "Sons of Light .: The Blazing Star .: Providence," will be the subject of my addresses this year, and refers not only to our source and ultimate destination in Deity, but also to the unmistakable role of Divine Providence in the course of human events.
We have world-class speakers confirmed throughout the year. Our first Stated Communication on the 10th of January will feature Illustrious Brother S. Brent Morris, a noted Masonic author, Worshipful Master of the prestigious Quattuor Coronati Lodge of Research in London, and Managing Editor of the Scottish Rite Journal. Worshipful Brother Morris will discuss the fascinating subject of "Itinerant American Masonic Lecturers." In his talk, he will examine the prominent role of traveling lecturers and regalia promoters in spreading the Craft and its ritual throughout the nation.
Our second Stated Communication on the 24th of January will feature Worshipful Kirk MacNulty, not only one of the most perceptive and highly-regarded authors on the meaning of Masonic symbolism, but also a member of our Lodge. Worshipful Brother MacNulty will explain the origins of speculative Freemasonry in the late Renaissance, especially as described in the works of the late scholar Frances Lee Yates. Professor Yates was the author of a number of ground-breaking historical works and one of the first persuasively to set forth in an academic setting the connection between the rise of speculative Freemasonry and the continental "Rosicrucian" movement of the early 17th century.
I hope as many Brethren as possible can remember their obligations and join us for these presentations if within the length of their cable-tows. If any member is having difficulty with transportation to Lodge, please contact me and I will have the Chairman of the Transportation Committee, Bro. Michael Lee Stevenson, Jr., arrange for fraternal assistance in this regard.
Please note that dinner will take place after the Stated Communications in 2008. The plan is to have short, lively meetings followed by a Festive Board. There will be appetizers before the Stated Communications, as well. Please let the Senior Steward know if you will be staying for the Festive Board by e-mailing him at dinner@aw22.com so that he can plan accordingly.
Once again, thank you for the opportunity to serve our Lodge. I look forward to an exciting year working with you and enjoying your company.
Sincerely and Fraternally,
Douglas H. Wood
Worshipful Master
| Day | Time | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Tue 01/08/2008 | 7:30 pm | FRATERNAL VISIT TO: Henry Knox Field Lodge No. 349 |
| Wed 01/09/2008 | 6:30 pm | TRUSTEES MEETING: Lodge Anteroom, Open to all Members |
| Thu 01/10/2008 | 7:30 pm | STATED COMMUNICATION: Wor. S. Brent Morris "Itinerant American Masonic Lecturers" Festive Board afterwards, RSVP to Senior Steward |
| Sun 01/13/2008 | 7:00 pm | LODGE RITUAL SCHOOL: Practice for Entered Apprentice Degree |
| Tue 01/15/2008 | 7:00 pm | CALLED COMMUNICATION: Entered Apprentice Degree |
| Wed 01/16/2008 | 7:30 pm | FRATERNAL VISIT TO: John Blair Lodge No. 187 |
| Thu 01/24/2008 | 7:30 pm | STATED COMMUNICATION: Wor. Kirk MacNulty "The Renaissance Origins of Freemasonry and the Legacy of Frances Yates" Festive Board afterwards, RSVP to Senior Steward |
STATED COMMUNICATIONS - The Stated Communications of this Lodge shall be held at the George Washington Masonic Memorial (GWMM), Alexandria, Virginia on the second and fourth Thursday of each month except the fourth Thursdays of November and December and for the additional Stated Communications for the observance of George Washington's birthday, June 24th for Saint John the Baptist Day and December 27th for the Installation of Officers.
CALLED COMMUNICATIONS - Usually on Mondays or Tuesdays as announced herein.
LODGE RITUAL SCHOOL - Will always occur the Sunday before a Monday or Tuesday Called Communication Degree at 7:00 PM, unless otherwise stated. Additional ritual schools will be announced herein as necessary.
YOUTH MEETINGS AT GWMNM - Alexandria-Washington Chapter, International Order of DeMolay, meets the first and third Sundays at 2:00 pm in the North Lodge Room. Bethel No. 22, International Order Jobs Daughters, meets the first and third Sundays at 6:00 pm in the North Lodge Room.